EU - South Asia
Aviation Partnership Project II
Strengthening the partnership in aviation between the EU and South Asia

The primary objective of this workshop is to enhance the safety, efficiency, and regulatory framework of helicopter operations in the South Asia region, with a particular focus on challenging environments such as mountainous terrain.

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• 21 - 23 October 2024, 09:00 - 16:00 (NST) - sessions for regulators and operators

• 24 - 25 October 2024, 09:00 - 17:00 (NST) - focused sessions for helicopters pilots

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The EU-SA APP II project's Helicopter Initiative takes off with the first regional workshop scheduled from 21 to 25 October 2024, in Nepal. The primary objective of the EU - South Asia APP II Helicopter Workshop is to enhance the safety, efficiency, and regulatory framework of helicopter operations in the South Asia region, with a particular focus on challenging environments such as mountainous terrain.

The workshop aims to share best practices, strengthen regulatory knowledge, and promote the development of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). This collaborative effort will bring together aviation authorities, operators, pilots, and industry stakeholders to foster a safer and more effective helicopter operating environment in the region.

Target participants include members from the Civil Aviation Authorities in South Asia and relevant helicopter operators from the South Asia region. Helicopter pilots from Nepal will have focused sessions related to operations in mountainous terrain.

The topics that will be covered are the following:

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1. Regulatory aspects of helicopter operations

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Objective: Provide an in-depth understanding of the regulatory frameworks governing helicopter operations, with a specific focus on safety standards and the South Asian context.

Key Focus:

• Safety regulations: Understanding international and regional safety regulations that ensure safe helicopter operations, including maintenance standards, pilot certification, and operational protocols.
• Decision-making for compliance: Emphasising the importance of decision-making processes that align with regulatory requirements to enhance operational safety.

• Addressing regulatory challenges and solutions specific to South Asia.

• Learning from European regulatory practices with insights from experts.

• Discussing the implementation of regulations in operational settings, including compliance and enforcement issues.

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2. Helicopter operations in mountainous terrain

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Objective: Enhance pilots' and operators' understanding of the unique challenges, safety considerations, and decision-making processes required for safe and efficient helicopter operations in mountainous environments.

Key Focus:

• Safety considerations: Addressing the critical safety risks associated with complex terrain, high altitudes, and unpredictable weather conditions.

• Decision-making: Emphasising the importance of sound judgment and risk assessment in real-time to ensure safe operations, including go/no-go decisions, route planning, and emergency response.

• Best practices for handling complex terrain and weather conditions.

• Case studies and practical advice from experienced pilots.

• Developing tactical skills for navigation, landing, and emergency procedures in mountainous areas.

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3. Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)

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Objective: Explore the operational, regulatory, and safety aspects of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), focusing on best practices, challenges, and technological advancements.

Key Focus:

• Safety in HEMS: Ensuring patient and crew safety through rigorous operational protocols, including risk management and emergency procedures.

• Decision-making in critical situations: Enhancing decision-making skills under pressure, such as assessing the safety of landing zones, flight paths, and weather conditions during medical emergencies.

• Overview of HEMS operations, including mission planning, patient safety, and medical crew coordination.

• Regulatory requirements for HEMS, including certification and operational standards.

• Technological innovations in HEMS, such as new helicopter models and medical equipment.

 

4. Industry perspectives and technological advances

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Objective: Gain insights from leading helicopter manufacturers, Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo, on the latest technological advancements, safety innovations, and industry trends that are shaping the future of helicopter operations.

Key Focus:

• Safety Innovations: Exploring new technologies designed to enhance safety in helicopter operations, including advancements in avionics, automation, and flight safety systems

• Decision-making support: Understanding how modern helicopter technologies can assist pilots and operators in making better, safety-focused decisions, particularly in challenging environments like mountainous terrain.

• Operational efficiency: Discussing how industry innovations contribute to more efficient helicopter operations, reducing risks and improving performance in complex settings.

• Regulatory compliance: Insight into how the latest aircraft models and technologies comply with current and future regulatory standards, ensuring safer and more reliable operations.

• Future trends: Anticipating the direction of helicopter technology and operations, with a focus on how emerging trends can further enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

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5. Practical Sessions for Pilots

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Objective: Provide pilots with practical case studies, expert advice, and safety-oriented decision-making strategies to enhance their operational skills and ensure safety in challenging environments.

Key Focus:

• Safety-driven scenarios: Focused discussions on safety-critical situations, with an emphasis on risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

• Decision-making for safety: Reinforcing the importance of decision-making processes that prioritize safety, particularly in high-stress, high-risk scenarios.

• Interactive sessions focused on real-world scenarios and problem-solving.

• ​Direct engagement with experienced pilots for advice and mentorship.

• Repetition of key concepts and strategies through group discussions and Q&A sessions.

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6. Helicopters Infrastructure

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Objective: Explore potential infrastructure issues and case studies, expert advice, and best practices related to helicopters infrastructure.

Key Focus:

• Infrastructure Helipad: Discuss about Helipad infrastructure (new or existing) & visual monitoring with video cameras, with practical examples.

• Maintenance Infrastructure: Discuss current maintenance infrastructure standards in Nepal and potential improvements.​​

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​Note: Each day will include breaks for networking, refreshments, and informal discussions. The agenda is subject to adjustments based on participant feedback and emerging topics of interest.

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Throughout the five days, the workshop will seek to facilitate a deep understanding of the helicopters best practices while tailoring discussions to the specific needs and challenges of the South Asian region and in particualr Nepal, thereby fostering a collaborative approach to drones development both at the regulatory and operational side, led by the EU-SA APP II helicopters experts. These objectives align with the goals of improving safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in helicopter operations within the South Asian region.

From the EU-SA APP II, we wish you a successful event.